Article on “Epistemic Authorities” receives ASCoR Denis McQuail Award

The article “Epistemic Authority in the Digital Public Sphere: An Integrative Conceptual Framework and Research Agenda”, co-authored by Thorsten Quandt, has been recognized with the 2026 ASCoR Denis McQuail Award. The award goes to first author Anne Bartsch (University of Leipzig) and recognizes the best article advancing communication theory.

In their article, Bartsch and colleagues develop a theoretical framework for understanding epistemic authority in digital public spheres. They discuss how knowledge, expertise, and credibility are established in digital environments and address the challenges arising from new information sources and misinformation.

The award by the Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR) honors Denis McQuail, whose work on mass communication shaped the field of media and communication studies.

Congratulations to Anne Bartsch and all co-authors on this recognition!

 

Reference:
Bartsch, A., Neuberger, C., Stark, B., Karnowski, V., Maurer, M., Pentzold, C., Quandt, T., Quiring, O., & Schemer, C. (2025). Epistemic authority in the digital public sphere. An integrative conceptual framework and research agenda. Communication Theory, 35(1), 37-50. https://doi.org/10.1093/ct/qtae020